BUILDING A CULTURE THAT BUILDS LEADERS - THE POWER OF QUALITY TIME

So far, we’ve covered CELEBRATING FAILURE and GIVING CHANCES in our Building a Culture that Builds Leaders series. Today, we’re exploring the power of QUALITY TIME. There are plenty of theories about why quality time with parents is vital in raising children into healthy adults. The same concept applies to turning volunteers into rockstar leaders. The more we invest in one-on-one conversations with our team, the greater the outcomes. Here’s the good news…

You Don’t Have To Invest Hours.

We get it. You’re busy. It can be challenging to set aside time to invest in leadership development. But don’t let time constraints stop you from investing at all. Because research shows, it’s not the QUANTITY of time that matters but the QUALITY of the time spent that makes the difference. Even five or ten-minute increments can make an impact. 

You Don’t Have To Do All The Talking. 

Listening is just as essential as talking when it comes to quality time, and some studies suggest it may be more effective. Leaders who take the initiative in listening to their team can build trust and better relationships much quicker. Just remember, listening is more than just hearing words. Active listening requires paying attention to all the nonverbals your team is communicating as well. 

You Make People Want To Stay Or Leave.

A Gallup study found that 70% of employee engagement diversity is due to managers. Meaning your leadership and relationship with your staff can make or break your team. Leaders who invest time in relationships also help with staff retention. 

Your Presence Carries More Weight Than You Realize. 

Simply being around your team and being available to them sends a huge message. Studies found that face time with the boss can leave employees 29% more inspired, 30% more engaged, 16% more innovative, and 15% more intrinsically motivated. So when you’re around your team. BE THERE. Have an open-door policy and watch how your staff responds to your availability. 

You’re Showing That They Have Potential.

According to Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman in, First, Break All the Rules, when leaders spend time with top performers, “they are not fixing or correcting or instructing. Instead they are racking their brains, trying to figure out better and better ways to unleash that employee’s distinct talents.” Just spending time with potential leaders shows you are invested in making them more successful. 

Check in next week as we continue our Building a Culture that Builds Leaders series. And don’t forget to subscribe! We’ll send you an email as soon as the newest microblog goes live.